Strength Training Effects on Force Production and Drive Distance in Female Golfers: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Strength training (ST) by golfers is a relatively recent phenomena, gaining popularity only over the last two decades. Thus, little quantitative research exists on its benefits. Previous research provides support for golf performance gains, primarily club head speed, following ST. It has also been reported that vertical jump height is positively correlated to vertical thrust during a golf swing with a driver, which positively impacts carry distance of the golf ball. However, there is a paucity of research describing the vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) generated during a golf swing and the relationship of said force to the carry distance of the golf ball. PURPOSE: 1) To evaluate if there is a relationship between vGRF produced and drive distance (DD) of the golf ball during a swing with a driver. 2) To determine if an 8-week ST program geared toward increasing vertical jump height affects vGRF and DD. 3) To evaluate the methodology for feasibility with a larger, more diverse population in future studies. METHODS: Participants were six female athletes (n=6) from a NCAA Division III varsity golf team (19.3 ± 1.4 years). Data was collected before and after an 8-week ST program focused on increasing vertical jump height. Participants completed two 45-minute ST sessions/week under the supervision of a certified strength and conditioning coach. Exercises included squats, broad jumps, box jumps, lunges with and without rotations, and sprints. vGRF was measured on force plates during the downswing phase of the golf swing with a driver and DD was measured with a golf launch monitor. Vertical jump height and measures of lower extremity and core strength were also collected. RESULTS: The correlation between vGRF and DD was weak (r = -0.03, p = 0.74). There were no significant differences between pre and post vGRF (25.3 N ± 32.8 N, p = 0.12) nor DD (-3.7 m ± 11.6 m, p = 0.47) within subjects. CONCLUSION: The golf swing is an intricate maneuver with numerous factors impacting ball flight and distance. It is likely that other factors such as club head speed and angle of attack have a greater influence on DD than vGRF. Further research with larger and more diverse populations may determine whether or not significant relationships exist between ST, vGRF production, and golf swing performance. The methodology has been deemed feasible for future studies.